The overcrowding problem at Sligo University Hospital’s Emergency Department needs to be tackled with the same urgency as the long queues at Dublin Airport were.

That’s according to Sligo-Strandhill Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, who raised the issue at the monthly meeting of Sligo County Council yesterday.

The Fianna Fail representative is concerned at the fact there was a 38% increase in patients waiting to be seen at the hospital’s ED, compared with the month of May last year.

Cllr O’Grady has also cautioned against hopes that a proposed minor injury clinic will alleviate pressures, arguing that staffing levels must first be addressed.

Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady told Midwest News that it is time this ongoing problem is addressed as a matter of urgency....